In an uncanny twist of crime fighters turning criminals themselves, the Imo State Police Command has dismissed three of its officers, having found them guilty of kidnapping, car snatching, and the extortion of N1.7 million.
The dismissed personnel were, former Sergeants Gift Ekwueme and Ikechukwu Eto, and Corporal Divine Okwuaru.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed the development to The Punch, noting that the trio was found guilty during an internal “orderly room” trial.
His words, “Upon receiving the complaint, the police initiated an investigation. The officers were arrested, detained, and tried. Following the guilty verdict, the Imo Commissioner of Police ratified their dismissal.”
Now stripped of their positions, the former officers are soon to be arraigned in court for criminal prosecution.
The incident reportedly occurred on 8 February in Owerri, the state capital.
The story behind the incident was that the former personnel, accompanied by a civilian driver, Alex Chukwu, kidnapped a one Obinna Egbu; extorted N1.7 million at gunpoint; and impersonated members of the police anti-kidnapping unit.
New Police Commissioner Garba Bosso, has issued a stern warning to the command, asserting a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, high-handedness, or professional misconduct.
Despite frequent disciplinary actions, reports of police brutality and extortion remain a persistent issue in the country, as the followingfew cases can prove:
January 2026: A motorcyclist was shot dead by police in Ebonyi State.
November 2024: Operatives in Abakaliki shot a labourer dead and injured three others.
August 2024: Officers in Bayelsa State extorted N3 million from a citizen at gunpoint; the funds were only returned three weeks later following a formal petition.
